Question

Which of the following is the consequence of the founder effect?

• A. Reduction of genetic variability in a new colony established by a small isolated group from a large population
• B. A decrease in the genetic variability of a population due to a natural disaster
• C. Both a and c
• D. Changes in the genetic makeup of an individual

Answer 1

The correct option is A Reduction of genetic variability in a new colony established by a small isolated group from a large population

When a few individuals become isolated from a larger population, this isolated group may establish a new colony, whose allele frequencies may differ from the original population; this is called the founder effect. The members of the isolated group are called as founders of the new population. Hence, reduction of genetic variability in a new colony established by a small isolated group from a large population is the consequence of the founder effect. Founder effect is an example of genetic drift.

Changes in the genetic makeup of an organism is called mutation. Mutation can occur in the chromosome or in the genes of an individual.

A decrease in genetic variability due to natural disasters like earthquakes, cyclones, floods is called bottleneck effect. Bottleneck effect is an extreme example of genetic drift.